"A gem in the midst of chaos!" Al Borgo Fiorito Tip by helenjones

This was, without doubt, a gem of a find after trawling through endless websites whilst still in the UK. We booked to stay here for one night before catching the ferry to Ustica the next day and we liked it so much that we stayed another night on our return to Palermo. The rooms are immaculately clean - there are only three and the shower room is shared but this was not a problem as it too was pristine. All rooms are tastefully decorated with many original features such as tiled floors, coved ceilings, and balcony shutters. Breakfast is served at whatever time you choose. The location is a ten minute walk to the Quattro Canti (Four Corners) in the heart of the old city. There are also plenty of decent bars and restaurants to choose from.

Highly recommended for those on a smaller budget.

Unique Qualities: The hostess, Sandrine Mazzola, is one of the most hospitable I've met anywhere on my travels and will do literally anything to help you including arranging guarded parking for our hire car whilst we were in Ustica. If in doubt give her a ring - she will be only too pleased to help and speaks French and English too as she used to be a travel agent before starting her business.

I loved the original tiled floors in this old palazzo-style building and the decorative wrought iron balconies that came with each room where you can sit and just watch the chaos below. The area quietens down around 11pm so there is no problem sleeping either.

Address: Via Benedetto Gravina 59, 90139 Palermo, Sicilia
Comparison: less expensive than average
Directions: One of the roads leading up from the harbour and extremely handy if you are boarding a ferry to anywhere else, including Ustica.
Phone: +39 091 6124625
Price: US$20-40
Theme: Bed and Breakfast
Website: http://www.alborgofiorito.com